Developing a procedure for establishing paternity in Misumenoides formosipes using RAPD PCR : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

The topics of sperm competition and sexual selection are currently at the forefront of discussion among evolutionary and behavioral biologists. However, there is a great need for empirical testing of the emerging hypothesis. New methods are needed to quickly and accurately assess sperm competition as it relates to male reproductive success. Specimens of the crab spider species Misumenoides formosipes were collected from a single population. Virgin adult females were mated to two adult males on separate days. Several protocols of the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA application of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD PCR) were then developed and optimized to assess the paternity patterns of the species. These data can then be used as an aid in interpretation of the male reproductive behavior of this species.